The Squire Part 21

{Gun.} And lastly--if the parson will allow me that word--lastly, we all wish you may live amongst us long and happy until you're an octo--an octo--an octagon. I'm sorry _Mercury_ can't take me down.

{Villagers.} Bravo, Gunnion! Well spoken, very good!

_(Kate rising--with her hand on the little Child's head--Felicity puts stool bach, and stands by Kate taking her hand and kissing it at end of speech.)_

{Kate.} My dear friends, you are kinder to me than I deserve, which makes me very pained at what I have to tell you. You and I, who have been together for so many years, and who have loved one another so much, have to part company.

{Villagers.} _(murmur)_ What!

{Gun.} Part company! You don't mean to say you're going to put more machinery in the land, Squire?

{Kate.} I mean that I am going away from Market- Sinfield, perhaps never to come back.

{Villagers.} Oh, what will become of us?

_(a murmur from the Women)_

{Kate.} The lands will be worked by a richer farmer, and you and your homes will be the gainers.

{Villagers.} No, that they won't! _(they shake their heads)_

{Kate.} But what I ask of you, is--don't forget me--

_(Sob from one of the Women.)_ --and to make sure of that, please christen some of your children by my name. Kate is a pretty name, and when your babies grow up, tell them why they bear it. _(she kisses the Child and sends it back to the group, then sits and cries)_

{Gun.} _(sympathetically)_ Well, all I've got to say is, Squire, we're well nigh heart broke, _(turning to the group)_ My eye--up'll go the rents.

{Dormer.} _(coming down)_ Be off, all of you-- don't stand and gape at a woman who is crying!

_(Felicity exits R., D. Mercury a.s.sisted off. Fel.

places his chair back as before. Dormer goes off through the group; the rest sorrowfully disperse, looking over their shoulders at Kate. As they leave Gil. comes through them, and is left on the stage. He softly closes the door and crosses to Kate R., C.--Voices till Gilbert speaks.)_

{Gil.} _(quietly)_ Squire!

{Kate.} _(looking up quickly)_ Oh, Gilbert! _(she gives him her hand across the table)_

{Gil.} _(L. of table)_ I've been watching for a chance of a word with you. Ah, Squire, how good of you even to look at me!

{Kate.} Don't speak so, Gilbert.

{Gil.} When you think of me as I was! Ah, Squire, I had the devil in me last night, and I would have shot the young lieutenant like a dog in this very room, but for--I can't say it.

{Kate.} But for what?

{Gil.} But for the sudden thought that you were as guilty a woman as he was a man.

{Kate.} You didn't know, Gilbert.

{Gil.} Thank you, Squire, I didn't know, _(advances to her, looking round to be sure they are alone)_ Well, Squire, I've seen Mr. Thornd.y.k.e this very morning.

{Kate.} _(eagerly)_ Yes?

{Gil.} And I'm the bearer of a message from him.

{Kate.} _(rising)_ A message--what is it? Quick?

_(checking herself)_ Oh, no, it doesn't matter--don't tell me.

{Gil.} Ah, Squire, you can't have heard the news.

The regiment's going away to a strange country-- it's his duty, and he goes too.

{Kate.} _(faltering)_ Yes, I know--going away-- soon.

{Gil.} Well, Squire, I parted from him less than an hour ago, and he grips my hand and says to me, "Gilbert, you're the only soul that know's our secret, and you're my friend and hers, and we trust you."

--G.o.d bless him for that, Squire! "And, Gilbert,"

says he, "I'm packed off to the Rajkote station in India, where many a gravestone marks the end of a short life. It's a good country for broken hearts, Gilbert. And, Gilbert," says he, "I want to wish _her_ a good-bye. She won't refuse me that, Gilbert, she can't refuse me that." _(Kate goes to fire)_ Ah, Squire, I've got a man's heart, though it's rough, and all my poor disappointments and troubles are nothing to such a sorrow as this. And I'm here for your answer, Squire--waiting.

{Kate.} I can't see him. I must not see him. I am weak--ill. My answer--no!

{Gil.} I won't take it, Squire. My heart goes out to him. I can't bear that answer back.

{Kate.} Then tell him that you found me well, cheerful, with a smile, among my people. Say it is better as it is; that we must learn to forget--say anything, _(she sinks helplessly in chair)_

{Gil.} Oh, Squire! _(approaches her)_

{Kate.} Do as I bid you--keep him away from me --that's all.

{Gil.} _(walks sadly over to L., C, then turns)_ Nothing more.

{Kate.} Nothing more.

_(The door L., opens, and Chris. enters with Izod at her heels.)_

{Chris.} _(to Gil.)_ Gilbert, the children are crying out for you to tell them your fairy stories, and sing your songs to them.

{Gil.} I'm coming, _(crosses to L.)_ _(Chris, and Izod. go up stage R., As Gil. is leaving, Kate rises and calls him.)_

{Kate.} Gilbert! _(crosses to Gilbert)_

{Gil.} _(turning)_ Squire!

{Kate.} _(she lays her hand on his arm--aside)_ Gilbert--I--I have thought about it. Tell Mr. Thornd.y.k.e that the poor folks look for a glimpse of him to-day. That he shouldn't leave England without seeing the last of Verity's farm. Gilbert, say that we need not meet, _(quickly)_ Go--tell him to come to me!

_(Gil. hurries off; Kate sits on couch L., Chris.

stands before her. Izod. comes down C.)_

{Chris.} You're going to turn your back on Market- Sinfield, Squire. What's to become of me! _(crosses her arms)_

{Kate.} The poor servant's fortune always falls with the house, Christie. You're young and strong, and better off than your mistress.

{Chris.} _(uncrosses and uses her arms)_ Ah, I see; it's the baby face and baby tongue of old Gunnion's daughter that pleases you now! And why? Because the child can talk to you of the barracks at Pagley, and the jests they make, and the stories they tell about young Thornd.y.k.e's lady-love!